Is the death penalty an effective deterrent to crime?

What a great idea for a hub. I've seen studies and observational data that points both ways (so perhaps it depends on the culture), but I think an even more probing question is, "even if it is effective, is it morally justified?"

Between considering the burden placed on jails (and therefore taxpayers) to keep morally corrupt people in jail for life, the hypocrisy of legally exacting systematic and premeditated killing (or "killing people to show people that killing people is wrong"), and how many innocent people have been (and thanks to the nature of human error, will be) executed, it's a very difficult question to answer.

Not trying to divert from the actual question, but there is the matter of justice for victims. The issue of whether the death penalty is a deterrent is only part of a complex and bigger question. It's important to consider the answers to this question, but only useful if all the issues surrounding the problems of dealing with crime are addressed.

Very good point. Can anyone tell me why that animal who grabbed a 10 year old girl, shot her brains out and dumped her, should have three hot meals, free health care, TV and a room for the next 40 years? Tell me why he should ever get out on parole ?

The death penalty as an effective deterrent to crime is only "as" effective the person in whom it pertains to. In other words people in the states where the death penalty is law, they may consider the death penalty as a way out, means to an end or may feel it they will not be caught. As you and I, the death penalty is and will be a deterrent to crime.

Here are some of the crimes of which death penalty is the perfect solution.

Murder - If someone intentionally kills your mother, brother or anyone who is close to your heart in any means, ask yourself, what do you think they deserve? I don't know about you but I find death the right answer.

Rape - Apply the same process and you'll get the same results. Actually, if someone ever rapes my sister I would wish to torture them to death but that's how it works. They will deserve death but in the most merciful possible way, so will I for letting it happen, morally not literally.

Betrayal - Corroborating with the enemy for personal benefits leading to the deaths of hundreds of people is definitely a death deserving act. Not all betrayals require death penalties, however. Every case should be studied deeply and given the right judgement.

I don't think it is. If someone thinks they have a reason to kill another human being, they're going to do it whether or not it means they themselves may end up being executed. As for other crimes people mention that does have or should have the death penalty (rape, betraying your country, etc), I still don't see it as a deterrent. It may make them more cautious and they'll try to cover their tracks because they at least think they can get away with it.

I feel that criminals have something haywire in their brains. They think differently then the average person so no I think they would still do the things they do. The death penalty would not stop them but it would help to keep costs down in the prison systems if they just disposed of the ones that have life sentence's, and have committed hanis crimes why keep them sitting in prison, and the tax payers are paying for them.

No not really. Some people are just hardwired for crime and others have dug problems making rational thinking impossible. Also, many criminals believe that they are either above the law or won't get caught.

I absolutely think so, I think we should adopt some of the punishments from other countries. If you rape some one, castrate them, an eye for an eye. It says alot when almost a third of your population is incarcerated.

I believe the death penalty is a deterrent to crime and all hardcore murderers should get the death penalty. Even if it wasn't a deterrent to crime, I would be for it because I believe if you take a life intentionally that is not self defense, you should suffer the same fate.

If someone takes a life than I believe their life should be taken. However there have been cases of innocent people sent to jail. Many of these cases occurred before DNA testing. Not all states have the death penalty. In those circumstances I feel those who commit murder should get life in prison.

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